All articles tagged with #public water systems
A study warns that up to 280 million Americans are at risk of lifelong health issues due to arsenic in tap water, which can cause premature births, low birth weight, and developmental delays, with disparities observed across racial groups. Even levels below current EPA limits may pose risks, highlighting the need for stricter water safety measures.
The CDC has reported that between 2015 and 2020, there were 214 outbreaks of intestinal diseases caused by pathogens such as E.coli, campylobacter, or shigella, with over 2,000 cases of illness linked to drinking water, 80% of which were associated with public water systems, raising concerns about the safety of tap water.
Approximately 45% of US tap water sources, including public water systems and private water wells, are contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to research by US Geological Survey scientists. The study reveals that urban areas, particularly in the Great Plains and Great Lakes regions, the East Coast, and central and southern California, are most at risk. PFAS, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems, are commonly found in industrial and consumer products. The study highlights the need for more data on PFAS contamination in private water wells, as well as the importance of implementing stricter regulations to limit PFAS levels in drinking water.